Xceltrip

Dubbed the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” the beautiful city of Dubrovnik offers a wealth of tourist attractions for visitors to explore. Dubrovnik was founded in the 7th century and has been ruled through the centuries by the Venetians and the Hungarians, each of which have left their mark. The city enjoyed its greatest growth in the 15th and 16th centuries, a fact reflected in the impressive architecture and its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Popular for its spectacular seafront location on the Dalmatian Coast, coupled with its evocative and historic Old Town district, Dubrovnik is home to Croatia’s artistic and intellectual elite and offers numerous cultural activities and festivals. The Old City Walls The old city walls of Dubrovnik are one of its best-known features, now more than ever thanks to being featured in the hit TV series, Game of Thrones. Built in the 10th century and modified in the 13th and 14th centuries, these formidable walls — as high as six...

On Croatia’s gorgeous Dalmatian Coast, Split is the country’s second largest city and a vibrant place that perfectly blends modern and ancient. It is also one of the Croatian cities used as a Game of Thrones set , and fans of the hit show can join an organized tour to learn more. The town was continuously inhabited for thousands of years, starting with the Romans, followed by the Byzantines, Croats, Venetians, and finally the Austrians, who only left in 1918, and you’ll find plenty of historic things to do in the wonderfully preserved Old Town. Copyrights @Google.com Just east of its pretty waterfront promenade is Split’s main tourist centre, where visitors will find some of the top restaurants, entertainment venues, and hotels. There are also a number of wonderful day trips from Split that take you to other nearby parts of Croatia, like the ancient city of Salona and the beautiful beaches of Zlatni Rat, Brela, the Pakleni Islands, Solta, and Milna. Here’s a list of ama...

The remote, rocky island of Vis has ended its years of isolation and the tourists it now welcomes seek a different, more authentic experience than elsewhere in Dalmatia. Yachters and Hollywood stars might mingle around the marina but you can easily find your own slice of paradise away from the clicking paparazzi. Secluded beaches, sunlit caves and succulent lobster make the longer crossing from Split well worth the occasionally choppy journey. Copyrights @ Google.com Tito’s Cave Copyrights @ Google.com Almost halfway to Italy , Vis has always been of significant strategic importance. It is also rocky and isolated — which is why World War II leader Tito chose one of its caves for his headquarters. For several months from November 1943, with the war still in the balance, Tito and his Partisans were holed up here, planning attacks and devising strategies. The site, though poorly maintained and signposted, can be visited, either as part of a tour group or in...

Croatian food is awesome! Traditional Croatian cuisine is wide and varied, yet it’s hard to distinguish dishes that are exclusive to Croatia. Because, Croatian food has been influenced by tastes and traditions from neighbouring countries, and different nations that ruled Croatian territory throughout history. Copyrights @ Google.com Goveđa Juha (Beef Soup) Copyrights @ Google.com Goveđa Juha is a great tasty starter for a meal. A number of restaurants will serve homemade soups with a number of different flavours. Not only tasty but also very hearty. Croatians love to start a meal with soup all year round. Octopus Salad Copyrights @ Google.com Perfect for the summer months due to its light, refreshing nature. What makes this meal so good is the availability of fresh octopus in Croatia. Fresh out of the Adriatic, the octopus is boiled, chopped up into small pieces, and then tossed with a dressing (olive oil, garlic, vinegar, salt, pepper, lemon) an...

Its football team might have recently placed Croatia in the headlines but this country should be on your radar post-World Cup too. Easy to reach from the majority of European countries, Croatia offers affordable food, drink and accommodation despite it’s rising popularity with tourists; and it’s appeal is universal. Whether you’re looking for picturesque mountains to hike in, unrivalled beaches to relax on or movie-worthy backdrops for your selfies (both the Mamma Mia sequel and tv show Game of Thrones have been filmed here), Croatia has it all. Here are six of the best places to visit. Zagreb The Croatian capital, Zagreb is often overlooked for the scenic appeal of Split and Dubrovnik, but it’s got plenty of culture on offer. Its thriving street art and foodie scene makes it the perfect city break destination. The Museum of Broken Relationships (a curated exhibition of leftover items from real relationships) should be on your list, as should many visits to city’s litter...

Framed by its fishing port, the Dingle peninsula’s charming little ‘capital’ manages to be quaint without even trying. Some pubs double as shops, so you can enjoy Guinness and a singalong among hats and hardware, horseshoes and wellies. It has long drawn runaways from across the world, making it a cosmopolitan and creative place. In summer its hilly streets can be clogged with visitors; in other seasons its authentic charms are yours for the savouring. Although Dingle is one of Ireland’s largest Gaeltacht towns, the locals have voted to retain the name Dingle rather than go by the officially sanctioned — and signposted — Gaelige name of An Daingean. Gallarus Oratory Copyrights @ Google.com Gallarus Oratory is one of Ireland’s most beautiful ancient buildings, its smoothly constructed dry-stone walls in the shape of an upturned boat. It has withstood the elements in this lonely spot beneath the brown hills for some 1200 years. There’s a narrow doorway on the western s...

Cork is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland after Dublin. It lies on Ireland’s south coast and is connected to the sea by Cork Harbour and a slim channel called Passage West. Cork and the adjacent coastline have a strong seafaring and trading tradition. In effect, the original city is an island enclosed by two arms of the River Lee. During the 7th century, St. Finbarr (Fin Barre) established a monastery on a small marshy tract, where the cathedral of the same name now stands. Over the coming centuries, the town survived and flourished, despite Viking raids and later occupation by English forces. Here are 8 Amazing tourist destinations to visit in Cork, that you simply cannot miss. Copyright @ Google.com The English Market Copyright @ Google.com In the heart of Cork City and with an eye-catching fountain at its center, this quirky roofed food market has been trading since 1788. Under the possession of the Cork City Council, it’s one of the wor...